Grotto of Massabielle, Lourdes
Pilgrims gather at the Grotto of Massabielle. Photo: Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes at the Grotto of Massabielle. Beneath are
Mary's words: "I am the Immaculate Conception." Photo
Anthony. 
Dominican friars say Mass at the Grotto. Photo
Br Lawrence Lew, OP.
Pilgrims pray before the Grotto. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
Pilgrims collect holy water from the Grotto's spring. Photo
Anthony.The most sacred site at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is the Grotto of Massabielle, also known as the Miraculous Cave or the Cave of Apparitions.
History
The Grotto of Massabielle is the site of St. Bernadette's visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. The Blessed Virgin is said to have pointed out a previously undiscovered spring in the grotto and instructed Bernadette to drink from it.
What to See
The spring water from the grotto is believed to possess healing properties, and the Roman Catholic Church occasionally officially recognizes miraculous healings.
Faithful pilgrims, especially those in need of healing, flock to the Grotto of Massabielle to immerse themselves in the grotto's 17 pools - 6 for men and 11 for women.
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Grotto of Massabielle (top marker, north of the Upper Basilica. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Lourdes Map or get our free Google Earth download.
More Information
- Lourdes-france.org – official website
- Map of the Sanctuaries of Lourdes
- Apparitions of Mary
- Cures and Miracles
- Daily Timetable (PDF)
- Webcams
- Lourdes Office de Tourisme
- Notre-Dame de Lourdes – Catholic Encyclopedia
- Lourdes Travel - TripAdvisor
- Lourdes, France – Lonely Planet
- A Visit to Lourdes – Spirituality.org
Lourdes Travel Resources
- Lourdes Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor
- Lourdes Travel Forum - TripAdvisor
